I've also found that it can, surprisingly enough, feel a little lonely. I don't like using that term in this context, it makes me cringe a little, but being misunderstood by people you seek adoration has that effect.
Perhaps the ‘adoration we seek’—from others IS the problem itself. 75 years of living has taught me, no matter what we do, or refrain from doing, no matter how much we give—it’s never enough. This world wants MORE, and More is Never Enough.
For some reason I am reminded of Francis Schaeffer’s encouragement that in being crucified with Christ…put to death, if you will…it’s not just the bad that must die…it’s all of me…the neutral, the bad, the seemingly good…in order for the new man to truly appear…the one made new in Christ.
I’m not exactly sure why my brain made that connection but I know his work at L’Abri was birthed out of much soul searching, God asking, contemplation, yearning for and to walk in what he referred to as ‘true Truth.’ To really walk according to the Word…the Spirit…the Word is Spirit and truth.
I am deeply blessed by your work. I was recently reminded of the Argentinian Preacher Jaun Carlos Ortiz, who had so much influence on discipleship in the 70s and 80s. He used the metaphor 'orphanage' to describe the modern church structure. Instead of rearing children in a dynamic home with other members who were active and interactive in rearing us to become mature as believers, we have a hired staff who answer all our questions and do for us what we are called to do for ourselves.
This approach is a direct contradiction of the biblical commands to "Bear the overwhelming burdens of those who find life too overwhelming to bear. That is called the Golden Rule.
This passage also commands us to teach those with manageable loads, who must responsibly bear them. The rationale Paul gives is, "So their self-understanding leads them to conclude they can be happy about taking care of their responsibilities."
No wonder we are producing so many immature men and women who do not have confidence in themselves nor treat others with the Golden Rule.
Let us build disciples who lead the Family of God, not the Orphanage of Proud Leaders.
I've also found that it can, surprisingly enough, feel a little lonely. I don't like using that term in this context, it makes me cringe a little, but being misunderstood by people you seek adoration has that effect.
That’s so true, Brian! We have to band together.
Perhaps the ‘adoration we seek’—from others IS the problem itself. 75 years of living has taught me, no matter what we do, or refrain from doing, no matter how much we give—it’s never enough. This world wants MORE, and More is Never Enough.
For some reason I am reminded of Francis Schaeffer’s encouragement that in being crucified with Christ…put to death, if you will…it’s not just the bad that must die…it’s all of me…the neutral, the bad, the seemingly good…in order for the new man to truly appear…the one made new in Christ.
I’m not exactly sure why my brain made that connection but I know his work at L’Abri was birthed out of much soul searching, God asking, contemplation, yearning for and to walk in what he referred to as ‘true Truth.’ To really walk according to the Word…the Spirit…the Word is Spirit and truth.
Love this Debra! Thank you for sharing it. Blessings.
I am deeply blessed by your work. I was recently reminded of the Argentinian Preacher Jaun Carlos Ortiz, who had so much influence on discipleship in the 70s and 80s. He used the metaphor 'orphanage' to describe the modern church structure. Instead of rearing children in a dynamic home with other members who were active and interactive in rearing us to become mature as believers, we have a hired staff who answer all our questions and do for us what we are called to do for ourselves.
This approach is a direct contradiction of the biblical commands to "Bear the overwhelming burdens of those who find life too overwhelming to bear. That is called the Golden Rule.
This passage also commands us to teach those with manageable loads, who must responsibly bear them. The rationale Paul gives is, "So their self-understanding leads them to conclude they can be happy about taking care of their responsibilities."
No wonder we are producing so many immature men and women who do not have confidence in themselves nor treat others with the Golden Rule.
Let us build disciples who lead the Family of God, not the Orphanage of Proud Leaders.
Wow! Good word, Gary! Thanks for sharing. It was a huge encouragement. Blessings, brother!